A four-member bench of the apex electoral body found Khan’s failure to appear before it in person intentional, and said such conduct could not be tolerated.
By Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) Tuesday issued bailabale warrants of arrest against former Prime Minister Imran Khan in a case concerning the use of intemperate language and contemptuous remarks against the Chief Election Commissioner.
A four-member bench of the Commission comprising, Mr. Nisar Ahmed Durrani, Mr. Shah Mohammad Jatoi, Mr. Babar Hassan Bharwana, and Mr. Justice (r) Ikram Ullah Khan dismissed a request from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman for exemption from personal appearance after taking into account his conduct since September 12, 2023.
The application was filed through Syed Muhammad Ali Bukhari as proxy counsel appeared on behalf of Faisal Fareed Chaudhry, whose mother is hospitalised due to indisposition, preventing him from appearing before the Commission.
The EC order related how Khan has failed to appear before the court since the onset of the case, with his counsel seeking adjournment on one or the other pretext, which it said is tantamount to mockery of law.
The Commission ruled that Khan’s nonappearance before it seems to be intentional, and said such conduct could not be tolerated.
The Commission issued warrants of arrest against Khan in the sum of PKR 50,000 with two sureties, to be executed through the Inspector General of Police, Islamabad and appointed January 17 as the next date of hearing.
The full text of the order may be read below.
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